Darren Lehmann to step down as coach after 4th Test
In the latest development pertaining to the ball-tampering controversy, Darren Lehmann is set to step down as the coach of the Australian team at the end of the current Test series against South Africa. This comes after the trio of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were slapped with bans. Lehmann has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the investigation by Cricket Australia.
Lehmann on quitting as coach
"This was entirely my decision. I have been speaking to the hierarchy in the last couple of days. Speaking to my family, they've had enough of travelling 300 days...it's the right time to step away," Lehmann said in the press conference.
"What the f*** is going on?": Words that cleared Lehmann
Cricket Australia's decision to spare Darren Lehmann has drawn criticism from several quarters of cricketing fraternity. Lehmann was seen communicating with Peter Handscomb via walkie-talkie after visuals of Bancroft with sandpaper appeared on big screen. This had raised suspicions about Lehmann's involvement in the scandal. However, his words were "What the f*** is going on?" and this cleared Lehmann of any wrongdoing.
Lehmann calls for a change in the way Australia play
Calling for a need to change the way Australian team plays, Lehmann said that they need to take New Zealand as an example, "the way they play and respect the opposition."
Darren Lehmann's career at a glance
Darren Lehmann, known for his aggressive approach on field, played for Australia between 1998-2005. He was a part of 27 Tests and 117 ODIs and scored 4,876 international runs. Lehmann became the Australian cricket coach in June 2013. His tenure was supposed to end after 2019 World Cup. Much of the Australian team's 'win-at-any-cost' culture is believed to have been fostered under his tutelage.
